Identifying alterations of Zafarghand porphyry copper system (Isfahan): employing singularity method and false color composite

Abstract

In recent times, geological remote sensing has greatly enhanced the ability to access alteration zones and identify potential sites for hydrothermal deposits quickly and cost-effectively. This study will utilize satellite image processing methods to map the alteration zones in exploration area of the Zafarghand. The study area is located in the NE of Isfahan and falls within the central structural zone of Iran. The Zafarghand porphyry system exhibits phyllic, potassic, propylitic, argillic alteration halos. Alterations in this study were detected using ASTER sensor imagery. Each pixel's digital number value from the satellite images, organized in a matrix, serves as a sample in a systematic grid. The singularity method algorithm was then applied as an effective structural tool to identify geochemical anomalies in the digital pixel values from ASTER images. The findings demonstrate that the singularity method, due to its structural attributes, has been successful in decision-making and highly effective to determine promising areas in the study area, especially for propylitic and phyllic alterations.

Keywords

• singularity
• image processing
• aster
• zafarghand
• porphyry cu